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Labor agreements

Alaska Airlines' philosophy is to provide employees market-based compensation. More than 80 percent of Alaska's workforce is covered by collective bargaining agreements.

Contract negotiations in the commercial airline industry are governed by the Railway Labor Act (RLA), which Congress passed in 1926. The RLA seeks to avoid interruptions in interstate commerce by setting clear guidelines for labor negotiations at railroads and airlines. The act also established the National Mediation Board as the federal body charged with oversight of labor negotiations.

Under the RLA, airline labor contracts never expire. Instead, each contract has an amendable date when the union and the company have the option to amend the contract.

To respect the bargaining process, the airline provides limited information on the status of ongoing labor negotiations.

Clerical, office and passenger service employees (COPS)

Alaska Airlines' 4,619 customer service agents, reservations agents and accounting specialists and other groups are represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW). These employees signed a five-year agreement on May 22, 2014, which becomes amendable Jan. 1, 2019.

Flight attendants

Alaska Airlines (4,396) and Virgin America (1,214) flight attendants are represented by the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA). These employees approved a five-year agreement on Dec. 16, 2014, which becomes amendable December 2021.

Pilots

Alaska Airlines (1,971) and Virgin America (836) pilots are represented by the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA). Employees ratified a five-year agreement on July 10, 2013, which becomes amendable March 31, 2018.

Aircraft technicians, cleaners and fleet service employees

Alaska Airlines (707) and Virgin America (167) aircraft technicians, cleaners and fleet-service employees are represented by the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA). These employees ratified a five-year agreement on March 3, 2017, which is amendable October 17, 2021.

Ramp service and stores agents

Alaska Airlines' 680 ramp-service and stores agents are represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW). These employees ratified a five-year agreement on March 3, 2017, which is amendable October 17, 2021.

Dispatchers

Alaska Airlines (45) and Virgin America (36) dispatchers are represented by the Transport Workers Union (TWU). These employees ratified a four-year contract which became effective on March 24, 2015. The ratified agreement becomes amendable on March 24, 2019.